AP: Rangel wins primary battle

Rep. Charles Rangel has beaten back a primary challenge as he seeks a 23rd term, and the Associated Press called the race this afternoon.

“I congratulate Congressman Rangel on his victory. As a decorated veteran and Congressman, Charlie has been a trailblazer, dedicated advocate and an outspoken voice for New Yorkers in Washington," Rep. Steve Israel, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in a statement. "While Republicans in Congress continue to stack the deck for special interests, Congressman Rangel has fought to protect and strengthen the community in northern Manhattan and the Bronx.”

More from the AP:

The 84-year-old Rangel was once arguably the most influential black elected official in the U.S. He says this is his final race. He is known as the Lion of Harlem and has been a liberal voice for a district that was once heavily black but is now majority Hispanic.

The primary had been contentious, with accusations of racially charged language.

Rangel will advance to the general election in November. His district is heavily Democratic.